Wednesday 29 March 2023

Spring Break 2023 - Jasper - Part 1

 A couple weeks ago, we got to the slopes at Falcon Ridge as a tune up for Spring Break 2023 with EJAL in Jasper.  We started our journey west on Friday evening catching a direct flight to Edmonton.  The flight was routine and on time.  Once in Edmonton, we had to wait for our bags to arrive and then caught the shuttle to our hotel which was right next to the airport, Costco and an outlet mall.  



In the morning, we got breakfast at the hotel and then AA went to get the rental car from the airport while Lola watched some curling.  Then, it was time to pack the car and start the drive out to Hinton to meet the crew.  First stop was some groceries at Costco then lunch at Five Guys and a short drive to Starbucks to enjoy on the 3 hrs drive.





At the hotel in Hinton, it wasn't a long wait for the rest of the party to show up.  The kids were excited to see AA and Lola and get out of the car.  Supper was at a Canadian Steakout Grill and Lounge and was delicious.

After everyone's bellies were full, it was time to hit the pool and waterslide back at the hotel.





AA was the first adult to take the waterslide - it was VERY fast and he got lots of water up his nose.  The kids really enjoyed the waterslide and pool but L had to head back to the room after she wasn't feeling well.

Back in the room, the kids were excited to have their own tv to watch shows while the adults also had their own tv to watch their own shows.  It was a fairly early night so that they could get on the road and get some groceries before heading to Jasper.


Sunday morning grocery shopping at 9am was very quiet in the store - the perfect time to go shopping, apparently.  It took a little bit of juggling to find room for all of the food in the cars along with passengers and baggage.  




Lunch was at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.  E and J took the gang for a short walk around the lodge and by the lake before dining at the lodge restaurant.  Lunch was delicious, especially the caesars.




After lunch, we did some more exploring around the lodge and then ventured out to find some checkpoints for the Jasper the Bear's 75th online birthday celebration.  There were a couple checkpoints by the lodge and then several others in the town of Jasper as well as Pyramid and Patricia Lakes.



When driving back through town, to Patricia Lake, there were LOTS of elk taking in the sun:









Lola needed to get some gluten free pasta from a health food store in Jasper and then we finished the online scavenger hunt before going to the Jasper Info Office to collect our prizes - a bag with colouring pages and a Jasper the Bear stuffed animal.  The kids were quite excited.




Then it was time to get checked in to hotel and have the base settled for the next couple days in Jasper before going for supper at Evil Dave's.  AA, Lola, A and L walked to the restaurant while E and J went to the store for some Reactin.  The group thought it was funny that they had the same table as last time and everyone tried to remember what they ordered last time.  Like the last time, the food was delicious.





Monday morning was an early start so that everyone could get to the ski hill for the start of their lesson and day care. AA, Lol and E had the day to themselves to hit the slopes while J hung out in the chalet.





Lunch at the car








The lines for the chair lifts were not long at all and the runs were in great shape with some fresh powder from the 8 cm of snow the night before.

Everyone had a great time on the hill, kids included.  



Supper was back at the "lodge", everyone was tired from all the fresh air but not too tired for a game of Go Nuts for Donuts



Tuesday was another ski day, this time J and L were "going shopping" in town instead of going to the hill.  It was another good day of skiing, perhaps even less busy than the day before.








After going back "home", 5/6 of the crew decided to go to the summit of the Jasper Sky Tram and take in the sight of the late afternoon, clear blue day.










After descending the mountain and going back to the lodge for a quick shower, it was time to go for dinner at Jasper Brewing.  E was craving the bison meatloaf.



Back at the room, it was time for a couple more card games before starting to pack up for the road trip on Wednesday.

Wednesday morning was a little more relaxed.  Wake up call from A and L was at 7:30, Lola was not ready to get out of bed.  After having breakfast and loading the car, it was time to start the almost 4 hrs drive back to Edmonton.  




Another boxed lunch!
The kids were pretty happy for a relaxed day and were able to setup their own room and go to the park to burn off some pent up energy.  Dinner was at the house - some steaks on the BBQ and then brownies and ice cream for dessert.  Everyone is enjoying the slower paced day, getting ready for a full day at the West Edmonton Mall Water Park.